Marla English (1934-2012)

biography

Born Marlene English in San Diego on January 4, 1934, actress Marla English began her career in show business as a teen model in the late 1940s. After winning a local beauty contest, she was offered a contract with Paramount Studios in 1952, upon graduating from high school. Paramount brought English along slowly, putting her in bit parts in such films as Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954; with James Stewart) and Yankee Pasha (1954; with Jeff Chandler and Rhonda Fleming).

Mid 1950s cheesecake photo of actress Marla English

When Paramount dropped her contract in 1954, English moved out of bit parts and into starring roles in B movies, such as the film noir release Shield for Murder (1954; with John Agar and Edmond O'Brien). But today, English is best remembered for her cult horror films, including The She-Creature (1956; with Chester Morris and Tom Conway) and Voodoo Woman (1957; with Mike Connors and Lance Fuller).

the films of marla english

Shield for Murder (1954)

From the film noir thriller Shield for Murder. LEFT: With John Agar. RIGHT: With Edmund O'Brien

Desert Sands (1955)

LEFT and CENTER: From the United Artists adventure Desert Sands. RIGHT: With Ralph Meeker

Hell's Horizon (1955)

With John Ireland in the Columbia war drama Hell's Horizon

A Strange Adventure (1956)

From the Republic crime thriller A Strange Adventure. LEFT: With Joan Evans and Ben Cooper. RIGHT: With Ben Cooper and Nick Adams

Three Bad Sisters (1956)

From the campy United Artists drama Three Bad Sisters with Kathleen Hughes and Sara Shane

Runaway Daughters (1956)

From American International's teen angst drama Runaway Daughters

Flesh and the Spur (1957)

From the American International western Flesh and the Spur. LEFT: English as Wild Willow. RIGHT: With John Agar and Mike Connors

Voodoo Woman (1957)

later years

In August 1956, 22-year-old Marla English walked away from her film career to marry a San Diego business owner and raise a family. Her final film role came in American International's horror flick Voodoo Woman (1957; with Tom Conway, Mike Connors, and Lance Fuller), which she completed shortly after her marriage. English never resumed her film career and was happy to walk away from the limelight. Sadly, Marla English passed away on December 10, 2012, at the age of 78. She was survived by her husband, a daughter, three sons, her mother, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.